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Israel bombards Gaza as it searches for soldier

The Associated Press

Updated:
08/02/2014 01:27:00 AM EDT

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A Palestinian supporter of Hamas holds the Quran as others shout slogans against the Israeli military action in Gaza, during a demonstration in the West Bank town of Tulkarem town on Friday, Aug. 1, 2014. A Palestinian man was shot and killed during clashes with Israeli troops, following the demonstration in Tulkarem, Palestinian security sources said. (AP Photo/Mohammed Ballas)

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israel is striking dozens of sites in Gaza as it continues a massive search for an officer it fears was captured by Hamas militants.

Palestinians officials say at least 35 Palestinians have been killed in the early morning bombardment in and around the city of Rafah on Saturday. The area's main hospital was evacuated because of the strikes.

The Israeli military believes 2nd Lt. Hadar Goldin was grabbed in a Hamas ambush about an hour after an internationally brokered cease-fire took effect Friday. Hamas' military wing says it is not aware of any such capture.

The three-day cease-fire was intended to pave the way for a more sustainable truce. More than 1,650 Palestinians and 60 Israelis have been killed since the fighting began July 8.

A Palestinian holds a national flag during clashes with Israeli soldiers following a protest against the war in the Gaza Strip, near the West Bank town of Tulkarem on Friday, Aug. 1, 2014. A Palestinian man was shot and killed during the clashes with the Israeli troops, Palestinian security sources said. (AP Photo/Mohammed Ballas) (Mohammed Ballas/AP)